My competition today focuses on a new set of publications from E-Music Maestro. Lean to Sight Read & Hear the Difference is a series of comprehensive sight-reading manuals for teachers and students using free QR code technology. Included in each book are 100 short pieces, in a range of appropriate keys covering a wide variety of musical styles, rhythmic patterns, time signatures, and note ranges comparable to the piano exams at that grade. At present, the books range from Grade 1 – 3 level.
There is a note for teachers at the beginning about how to use the books and an explanation of how to use the technology alongside each piece. For those who enjoy featuring tablets or phone apps in lessons, this method will certainly be of interest.The pieces are tuneful and there are tips from the Maestro ‘dog’ (a cartoon character) alongside many of the pieces. At certain intervals throughout the book (denoted by ‘sets’) there is a progress chart for students to log their sight-reading journey.
I have one copy of Grade 1 level to give away to one lucky winner. For your chance to win, as always, please leave your comment in the comment box at the end of this post. I will select the winner on Monday evening (British time). Good luck!
Publications
Melanie Spanswick has written and published a wide range of courses, anthologies, examination syllabuses, and text books, including Play it again: PIANO (published by Schott Music). This best-selling graded, progressive piano course contains a large selection of repertoire featuring a huge array of styles and genres, with copious practice tips and suggestions for every piece.
For more information, please visit the publications page, here.
Melanie Spanswick 
Hi Melanie, this sounds like a very useful tool. I find Pianist Magazine very good too because it contains so many scores and a variety of levels. But E music Maestro, being a sight reading course, sounds very appealing. I would love to check it out!
I use tablets in lessons and this sounds a fab resource
Hi Melanie-I like how this resource combines using the traditional book with technology-especially with allowing students to hear the piece with the QR code before playing it. Reminds me of the strategy of teaching a symbol last, after a student has heard & experienced it. I’m always looking for creative ways to teach sight-reading-a skill students need to constantly practice. I’d love to win it!
Hi!
Your informative and consistent emails are a great help for an older beginner. Seeing lessons from both the teacher’s perspective, as well as my own, has proven to be a wonderful aid. This particular book for sight reading looks exciting. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
Thank you, from Orlando, Florida.
JCL
Sight-reading seems to be such a challenge for some students…especially those with good ears who try to figure it out by fishing out the tune. I am excited to try this new approach to sight-reading. Anything to help students improve their skills.
I use iPads in my teaching. I’m very interested in this new series. Thanks
Christina
So interesting! Thanks for letting everyone in on it!